On the other hand, the Dhruba Bhahadur Pradhan-led NOC brushed off the issue as resulting from communication error.[break]
Earlier, news reports had claimed that four NOC officials were asked to either return or pay for the cell-phones provided to them by the local organizing committee of the London Olympics.
NOC President Pradhan claimed that the local organizing committee of London Olympics didn´t ask them to return the cell-phones while giving them the clearance to leave the Olympic village and that they thought the cell-phones were souvenir.
"We had even paid for the two room-keys we had lost. We were not asked to return or pay for cell-phones. Also, there is a tradition of providing items like cell-phone as souvenir during such mega events," said Pradhan.
"We have already paid for the cell-phones right after receiving a letter from the local organizers, but some people are bent on blowing the issue out of proportion," alleged Pradhan, without mentioning any name.
Meanwhile, speaking at a program organized by NSC, its Vice President Pitambar Timalsina said no matter what reasons the NOC officials furnish the issue has shamed us. "Those who brought the mobiles have let us down and they should resign from their posts," said Timalsina.
NSC Member Secretary Yubaraj Lama said that his office would seek clarification from the concerned officials for the “shameless act”.
Meanwhile, Lama also alleged the NOC officials of cheating Olympians by providing less allowance than provided for by the International Olympic Committee.
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